Republic of the Philippines

National Capital Region

31st cor 51st Sts. Pamayanang Diego Silang, Ususan, Taguig City

Capacity of Cogon Grass (Imperta Cylindrica) as

A Research Presented to the Faculty of SRCCMSTHS

Prepared by
Therese Gabrielle T. Aquino
Hannah Mae G. Laboga

May 20, 2021

The researchers would like to express their deepest gratitude to their lecturer,

Ms. Marilou Pagaran as well Dr. George Tizon, principal of Renato Compañero

Cayetano Memorial Science and Technology High School, who gave the researchers

the commencement to work on this research on the Capacity of Cogon Grass (Imperata

cylindrica) Extract as a Cheaper Bioplastic Substitute, which furthermore supervised the

researchers in accomplishing and finalizing the study within the limited time frame.

Secondly, the researchers would also like to express acknowledgment to their

parents who supported, assisted, and counseled the researchers in conducting the

study. The researchers would also like to acknowledge their peers who made the

completion and success of this study possible.

1
 ABSTRACT

Title: Capacity of Cogon Grass (Imperta Cylindrica) as Cheaper Biodegradable

Year & Section: 8-Thales

Institution: Senator Renato Compañero Cayetano Memorial Science and

Technology High School

Year: 2020-2021

Research Adviser: Ms. Marilou Pagaran

2
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgement………………………………………………………………...1

Research Abstract……………………………………………………………..…..2

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………….3

List of Tables………………………………………………………………….….…4

Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Background

A. Introduction ………………………………………………………………5

B. Statement of the Problem…………………………………………………8

C. Theoretical Framework……………………………………………………8

D. Conceptual Framework…………………………………………………9

E. Scope and Limitation………………………………………………………10

F. Hypothesis …………………………………………………………….11

G. Significance of the Study………………………………………………11

H. Definition of Terms…………………………………………………………12

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature and Studies

A. Foreign Literature………………………………………………………….13

B. Local Literature……………………………………………………………..13

C. Foreign Studies…………………………………………………………….14

D. Local Studies………………………………………………………………..14

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 E. Synthesis of Reviewed Related Literature and Studies…....................15

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

A. Method of Research ………………………………………………………16

B. Population Frame and Sampling Scheme………………………………..17

C. Data Collection Methods and Tools…….…………………………………17

D. Validity and Reliability Test………………………………………………….18

E. Data Processing……………………………………………………………19

Chapter 4: Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data

A. Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data………………………20

Chapter 5: Summary, Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations

BIBLIOGRAPHY…………………………………………………………………..28

List of Tables
Tables
Table 1. The Respondents Consider Cogon Grass (Imperta Cylindrica) as
potential Component of biodegradable plastic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Table 2. Who Either Prefer Using Bioplastic or Synthetic Polymers. . . . . 23
Table 3. Who Agree and Disagree that Bioplastics Do Much Less Harm To
Both Environment and Humans Compare to Synthetic Polymers . .24

4
 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Cogon grass first was useful as a packaging in Southern United States during

1900’s. However, it was quickly discovered that it was a fast spreading weed capable of

destroying other valuable plants. In other parts of the world, such as Southeast Asia,

Cogon grass has been very beneficial. The weed has numerous uses, from edible to

medical uses. In the Philippines, Cogon grass has been used primarily for crafts such

as baskets, bags like purses and a wide variety of decorative purposes. One unique

form was discovered by a Filipino named Rey Espinosa. He used dried cogon grass

and noticed the changed of color when being burned.

There are only a few localized benefits of cogon grass. These include use for

thatch, forage, erosion control, paper making, and bedding material for livestock. It is

very important in our daily life because every day we encounter and use plastics to

become our every living easier. So, this study will improve the quality of biodegradable

plastics by means of scientific process involve in biodegradability.

Background of the Study

One of the major distresses in every part of the world is the issue on managing

non-biodegradable waste. Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing

environmental issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products

5
overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic pollution is most visible in

developing Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often

inefficient or nonexistent. But the developed world, especially in countries with low

recycling rates, also has trouble properly collecting discarded plastics. Plastic trash has

become so ubiquitous it has prompted efforts to write a global treaty negotiated by the

United Nations. Thus, this specific waste mainly impacts to the world’s rising garbage

problem. It becomes a habit for the people to use such material and often don’t stop to

realize that it is made from polystyrene which is a petroleum-based plastic.

Plastics found everywhere. Bottles, utensils, food packaging’s are some examples

of plastics that we use and see in our daily lifestyle. We can easily have plastics for our

convenience because it was sold in our market directly thus spending a little of our money.

Behind these things our typical perception about plastic is just a bit of what plastics really

are. For those people who are conscious about our environment, they say that plastics

cause a wide environmental problem for the world today. Plastics causes lots of matter

like: plastics that were trapped on waterways and dams causes floods; plastics that were

burned up causes air pollution and plastics that were collected on household are now in

great concentration on landfills. Nowadays, these problems can be solved if not lessen

the effect in the environment by the use of our advanced technology.

Today there are some industries and factories that introduces biodegradable

plastics. Biodegradable plastics decomposed much faster than the common plastic. The

said product became the solution for the shortening the timeline it takes to decompose

6
unlike to the commercial plastics. It introduces to the society because it was composed

of organic materials that are environment friendly.

Cogon grass is plentifully found in different places and occasionally thought as a

nuisance. It is an aggressive colony-forming perennial grass and is forming circular

infestation. Occupying a variety of sites, it grows in full sunlight to partial shade. Cogon

grass is one of the 10 worst weeds in the world. Cogon grass can invade and overtake

disturbed ecosystems, forming a dense mat of thatch and leaves that makes it nearly

impossible for other plants to coexist. Large infestations of cogon grass can alter the

normal fire regime of a fire-driven ecosystem by causing more frequent and intense fires

that injure or destroy native plants. Cogon grass displaces a large variety of native plant

species used by native animals (e.g., insects, mammals, and birds) as forage, host plants

and shelter. Some ground-nesting species have also been known to be displaced due to

the dense cover that cogon grass creates. Cogon grass exists on rights-of- way, forests,

and agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Because it is found in so

many areas, there is a need for a large-scale, concerted effort to effectively control it.

The goal of this study is to generate a bioplastic substitute using Cogon grass

extract and Cogon grassroots extract without resulting any inimical effects on the

environment. This study may also help to decrease the amount of pollution in the air and

water resources.

7
Statement of the Problem

The increasing permanent litter in the environment imposing damage to the

environment itself. Such as; harm to animals and polluting air, water, and land.

The excessive greenhouse gas emission and usage of fossil fuels creating broad

environmental and health effects. In particular; atmospheric pollution, climate change and

respiratory illnesses.

The study aims to determine the capacity of Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica)

uses extract and Cogon grassroots extract as cheaper biodegradable plastic substitutes.

This study seeks to respond to these problems:

a.) The inflation of permanent litter and its inimical effects to the

environment

b.) The immoderate emission of greenhouse gases. And;

c.) Excessive use of fossil fuel

THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK

This research is based on the study of Nordin (2019) whereas Nordin stated that

due to their superior qualities, such as durability and chemical resistance, synthetic fibers

are commonly used in the manufacturing industry. There are, however, certain drawbacks

of synthetic fibers, such as non-biodegradability and risks to human health. The bioplastic

8
from cogon grass was investigated. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the

efficiency of physical characteristics of cogon grass, to evaluate the effect of treatment

times of sodium hydroxide on physical characteristics of cogon grass, to examine the

decay effects after twelve months of leftover, and finally to compare and validate physical

results with theoretical models based on theoretical models. To examine physical

characteristics, a scanning electron microscope and a density kit were used. The study

confirmed that with the increase in treatment times, the physical characteristics of volume

fraction and airflow resistivity values appear to increase, but density and porosity tend to

decrease. Overall, cogon grass samples have the strong qualities and excellent features

to be a bioplastic material component.

The research is based on the study of Lubis (2018) as well. Lubis pointed out that

cogon grass powder and methyl ethyl ketone were used as fillers and catalysts,

respectively to enhance the physical properties of bioplastics. Cogon grass powder was

added with substantial ratios of composition and variance of particle size. The supplement

of cogon grass powder as fillers enhanced the physical and mechanical properties of

bioplastic as the amount of the fillers increased except for the addition of cogon grass. As

the composition of fillers increased, the compactness of the bioplastic decreased,

contrarily, the thickness protrusion of the bioplastic increased as fillers compositions

increased.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Cogon grass is one of the most aggressive grasses worldwide and spreads by an

extensive rhizome system. It was first introduced to the U.S. at Mobile, Alabama, via

9
shipping crates that contained cogon grass as a packing material. It was also brought in

and distributed by the USDA for use as a forage grass and for soil erosion control.

Cogon grass (Imperata

Other Renewable Biomass

Durability and Longevity of

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

It is illustrated that Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) extract and Cogon grassroots

extract are the independent variables and other renewable biomass sources supplemented

(i.e. cassava starch, corn, and hyacinth water) as the moderator variable. These variables

will theoretically influence the dependent variables which are the durability and longevity of

bioplastics.
Scope and Delimitation

This study will be conducted in the year 2020-2021, at Senator Renato Compañero

Cayetano Memorial Science and Technology High School (SRCCMSTHS) in

coordination with the Department of Education Curriculum. The budget of the study will

10
rely on the source of the materials, experimentation, and possible substitutes for defective

equipment. The materials that will be used in this study are cogon grass, white vinegar,

distilled water, glycerol, cornstarch, and kitchen equipment (such as molder, spatula,

containers, etc.). This study won't require any expertise.

The study will only be limited to the items that have been mentioned in the scope

of the study.

Hypothesis

If there is a significant difference between using cogon grass extract as a

biodegradable plastic substitute and synthetic polymers. The viability of cogon grass

extract as a biodegradable plastic alternative will then vary in terms of altering the

physical properties of the biodegradable plastic.

Significance of the Study

This study will help conserve petroleum supplies and reduce waste. those who

will benefit will be the following:

Community:

This study will allow the community to reduce dependence on fossil resources

whilst improving a product's carbon footprint. Biodegradable plastics allow enhanced end-

of-life scenarios for disposal and recycling. This may lessen the burden on our existing

waste systems and also the environment.

Nature:

This study will help nature because biodegradable plastics require composting or

recycling to ensure proper breakdown of the plastic pieces. The requirement to properly

dispose of biodegradable plastic products automatically reduces the amount of waste.

11
This waste would otherwise be sent to landfills in order to discard them. Moreover, the

land areas can be used for agriculture, residence or industrial applications instead of

converting them to landfills.

Factories:

This study, will help the factories unlock new ideas in producing food packaging.

Future Researchers:

This study, will help the future researcher’s knowledge and abilities, which can be

gained while working on and developing the setup of the project. Researchers will allow

to find other ways to efficiently use this items.

Definition of Terms:

The following terms used in this research are:

Cogon Grass - is a serious weed in cultivated areas of South Africa and Australia and

is considered an invasive species in many areas outside its native range.

Biodegradable plastic - a type of biodegradable plastic derived from biological

substances rather than from petroleum.

Pollution - the presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing

that has harmful or poisonous effects.

Synthetic Polymers - are materials constituted of long molecular chains

(macromolecules) and organic connections obtained through processing of natural

products or through synthesis of primary materials from oil, gas, or coal.

12
 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The Islands of Panay and Guimaras in Western Visayas are storied places and the

natives know this. The amount of resin or soda ash and other additives was kept constant

while the amount of starch was varied in every treatment. These pretreatment conditions

were used to optimize enzymatic saccharification using different enzyme combinations. 3

UNFCCC climate change: impacts, vulnerabilities and adaption in developing countries I.

Here we evaluated the peer-reviewed literature on causes and impacts of invasion by

cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), one of the most problematic invasive plant species in

the southeast US. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is one of the greatest invasive plant

threats in Alabama and in the Southeastern United States. Although it has been here for

more than a century, the problem has dramatically increased in the last 20 years.

Cardboard food containers made from cogon grass and water hyacinth is the organic

substitute for the already existing paper, styrofoam, and plastic food containers that were

being used by fast food chains and restaurants; containers that are 100% biodegradable,

eco-friendly and would lessen a lot of environmental concerns that the world is facing

today. In this study, it refers to the capability of cogon grass to be used as a material for

paper making. Both of them are perennial green grasses with dense foliage and are

always seen spread over vast areas. (Gregory MacDonald, 2008).

According to Rinkesh, (2020) biodegradable plastics and found out that can break

with exposure to sunlight such as ultra-violet radiation, water or dampness, bacteria,

enzymes, wind abrasion, and some instances like rodent pest or insect attack. The

researcher, therefore, indicated that cogon grass can be an important part of ideal

13
biodegradable plastics since people already use cogon grass and this study would add

another substantial use of cogon grass. Cogon grass has been used in recent years to

build better and stronger homes, but today, because of cement and hollow blocks, people

have ignored the use of cogon grass.

According to B.V. Elsevier, (2019) Cogon grass fiber and thermoplastic cassava

starch are a promising alternative material to substitute the non-biodegradable petroleum-

based polymer due to its good environmental-friendly aspects, such as; abundant,

sustainable, recyclable, and biodegradable in nature. Thermoplastic cassava starch,

however, has some limitations, such as negative characteristics. Cogon grass fiber was

therefore incorporated into thermoplastic cassava starch using compression molding in

the present study. Then, in order to assess their potential as biodegradable

reinforcement, the fundamental properties of cogon grass fiber and thermoplastic

cassava starch biopolymer composites were carried out. The study found that the

incorporation of cogon grass fiber strengthened the tensile and flexural properties of the

composites of the thermoplastic cassava starch while reducing the strength of the impact

and elongation. The soil burial test demonstrates that the integration of cogon grass fiber

into thermoplastic cassava starch has slowed down the composite biodegradation

process. Cogon grass fiber and thermoplastic cassava starch biopolymer composites can

therefore be categorized as biodegradable and reusable composites with outstanding

potential as an environmentally friendly sustainable material.

According to S.M Sapuan (2019) Thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) is a

promising alternative material to replace the non-biodegradable petroleum based

polymer due to its good environmental-friendly aspect i.e. abundant, sustainable,

14
recyclable and biodegradable in nature. However, TPCS have some limitation such as

poor mechanical properties. Therefore, in the present study, cogon grass fibre (CGF)

were incorporated into TPCS using compression molding. Then the fundamental

properties of CFG/TPCS biopolymer composites were carried out in order to evaluate

their potential as a biodegradable reinforcement. From the study it was found that, the

incorporation of CFG has improved the tensile and flexural properties of the TPCS

composites, while the impact strength and elongation were reduced. Soil burial test shows

that incorporation of CGF into TPCS has slow down the biodegradation process of the

composites. Thus, CGF/TPCS biopolymer composites can be classified as composites

with great potential as environmental-friendly material that biodegradable and renewable.

According to M. Poonghotai, (2020) Bioplastics can be characterized as plastics

that are made from natural sources such as cogon grass, corn, sugarcane, etc. It is

possible to lower the demand for fossil fuels, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and

reduce the accumulation of non-biodegradable plastic waste by producing these kinds of

plastics. It takes several decades for synthetic plastics to degenerate and it develops

toxins during deterioration. There is therefore a need to produce plastics from materials

that can be easily degraded to establish an "eco-friendly" environment.

15
 CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Included in this chapter is the description of the research design, subject of the

study, instrumentation, data collection procedure. It also includes the following procedure.

(1) Organize the respondents' age, gender, and profile. (2) Calculate the mean of age

profile, obtain the frequency of the gender profile, and complete the standard deviation of

ratings for the cogon grass bioplastic (3) Dispensation of the Research survey; Cogon

grass extract (Imperata cylindrica) and Cogon Grass root extract as a cheaper

biodegradable plastic substitute.

RESEARCH DESIGN

This research will use a descriptive design to determine whether the cogon grass

(Imperata cylindrica) extract and cogon grassroots extract are efficient to use as a

cheaper biodegradable plastic substitute. Descriptive design is any research carried out

using a theoretical approach. Descriptive research aims at defining a population,

condition, or phenomenon accurately and systematically. It will answer questions such as

what, where, where, where, and how, but not why. Experimental research is required for

the assessment of cause and effect. A descriptive research design may evaluate one or

more variables using a broad range of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Unlike in

experimental research, the researcher does not control or manipulate any of the

variables, but only observes and measures them. The researchers will provide two groups

of plastics, one for cogon grass as bioplastic and another for synthetic plastic.

16
Study Population

The population for this study compromise sixty-five (65) people, ranging from

Grade 7- Grade 12 including the college students. In environmental research that involves

school, the population we used are grade 8 learners from the school, Senator Renato

Compaῆero Cayetano Memorial Science and Technology High school. This research

applies systematic sampling, it is an extended implementation of probability sampling in

which each member of the group is selected at regular periods to form a sample. The

researchers can obtain permission from the chosen schools to conduct the survey with

any available sample.

Sampling

This study used systematic sampling in determining samples of the study.

Systematic sampling had been used in this research that has fifthteen (15) grade 8

students from the selected school. Systematic sampling is defined as a statistical method

that researchers use to zero down on the desired population they want to research.

Researchers calculate the sampling interval by dividing the entire population size by the

desired sample size. It was preferred for this study since it will be easier I gathering data

within the population.

Data Collection Methods and Tools

This study used the survey method, where both the survey questions and the

respondents were the instrumentation used. As far as data collection methods are

concerned, the conduction of the research involved the use of online surveys, which were

distributed through social media platforms.

17
Data was collected using a convenience sample of 67 participants. All participants who

responded in this survey owned an online device. Each of the responses received was

screened for errors, incomplete and missing responses. After the screening process was

carried out, only 65 responses were considered complete and valid for data analysis. This

represented a success rate of 99.5%, which is considered to be decent in view of the time

restrictions.

Questions relevant to the study included in the survey are the following:

Question 1: Do you have plastics present in your environment?

Question 2: Which do you prefer?

Question 3: Please state your reason on No.2

Question 4: What do you use often?

Question 5: How often do you use it?

Question 6: In your opinion, what are the inimical effects of using plastic?

Question 7: Do you consider cogon grass extract as potential component of

biodegradable plastic?

Question 8: Do you think that bio plastics do much less harm to both environment and

humans compare to synthetic polymers?

Validity and Reliability Test

The researchers will conduct descriptive research that evaluate the conflicts

in Bioplastic between synthetic/artificial polymers. Using surveys, the research will be

completed. The researchers are going to raise questions about the problem and likely

solutions that could be done to analyze the problem. Observation in which the focus will

18
get the larger number of students citing their issue and will then be performed within 1-5

days with a likely solution. The researchers will be monitored and analyzing the study

which will serve as a reference to the progress of the research throughout the entire

duration observation.

Data Processing

The data processing involves the carried out survey containing questions that will

conduce to the study concerning the capacity of cogon grass extract and cogon

grassroots extract as a cheaper biodegradable plastic substitute.

The main procedure is to develop a survey for the participants to answer and for the

responses to serve as a source of data contributing to the study. The responses and data

collected from the survey will conduct and function as support to the study. Once the

survey is generated, it will be distributed to the respondents by means of social media

platforms. The responses and data will be gathered after a certain period of time.

The data processing occurs after the extraction of data. The screening process will be

carried out for each data and responses collected. The researchers will review the

purpose of the study and characterize the questions that have been responded to. The

aforementioned process will contribute to organize and classify the data to distinguish the

capacity of cogon grass extract and cogon grassroots extract as a cheaper biodegradable

plastic substitute.

19
 CHAPTER 4

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Introduction

The purpose of this chapter is to present, analyze, and interpret the capacity of

Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) as a cheaper biodegradable plastic substitute. Its

primary objective is to provide answers to the following questions: 1) Do you consider

cogon grass as a potential component of biodegradable plastic? 2) Which do you prefer?

Bioplastic or synthetic polymers? 3) Do you agree that bioplastics do much less harm to

both environment and humans compare to synthetic polymers?

This chapter presents, analyzes, and interprets data obtained from questionnaire

items that seem to be pertinent to the study. To successfully conduct this study, the data

gathered must be analyzed to validate the claim and address the research questions. As

outlined in the previous chapter, data is analyzed in considerable detail.

The statistical results were used to interpret, present, and analyze the data

obtained from the questionnaire. Furthermore, the study aims to find significance in the

data collected such that researchers could use the inferred data to generate rational

choices, enabling the study to go further.

20
Interpretation of Results

Table 1

The Frequency and Percentage Distribution of Whether the Respondents Consider

Cogon Grass (Imperata Cylindrica) as Potential Component of Biodegradable Plastic.

RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Yes, as it will improve the physical properties of 62 95.4%

the bioplastic

No, since there are better possible components 3 4.6%

that can enhance the physical properties of

bioplastic

Total 65 100%

Mean 32.5

SD 29.5

Table 1 depicts the frequency and percentage distribution in regards to whether

the respondents consider Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) as a potential component of

21
biodegradable plastic. The cumulative number of responses is 65, with a 32.5 mean as

well as a 29.5 standard deviation.

According to the computed data, the response “yes, as it will improve the physical

properties of the bioplastic” obtained a frequency of 62 and a percentage score of 95.4

percent. While the response, "no, since there are better possible components that can

enhance the physical properties of bioplastic," obtained a frequency of 3 with 4.6 percent.

A total of 65 responses were gathered with a mean of 16 and a standard deviation of

29.5.

The results imply that 95.4 percent of the respondents consider Cogon grass as a

potential component of biodegradable plastic. On the contrary, 4.6 percent of the

respondents do not consider Cogon grass as a potential component of biodegradable

plastic. These outcomes prove that the Cogon grass is most likely a potential component

of biodegradable plastic for it will improve the physical properties of bioplastics.

Table 2

The Frequency and Percentage Distribution of Respondents Who Either Prefer Using

Bioplastic or Synthetic Polymers.

RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Bioplastic 63 96.9%

Synthetic Polymers 2 3.1%

22
 Total 65 100%

Mean 32.5

SD 30.5

The frequency and percentage distribution of respondents who either prefer using

bioplastic or synthetic polymers are shown in Table 2. The overall number of responses

is 65, with a mean of 32.5 and a standard deviation of 30.5.

The response "bioplastic" received a frequency of 63 and a percentage score of

96.9 percent while on the contrary, "synthetic polymers" received a frequency of 2 with

3.1 percent of the responses under calculated data. There were 65 cumulative responses,

with a mean of 16 and a standard deviation of 30.5.

Pursuant to the analysis, 96.9 percent of respondents prefer to use bioplastic.

Synthetic polymers, on the other hand, were preferred by 3.1 percent of respondents.

These outcomes imply that the majority of respondents prefer to use bioplastic over

synthetic polymers are since bioplastics are generally considered an eco-friendly

alternative to synthetic polymers and are less costly.

Table 3

The Frequency and Percentage Distribution of Respondents Who Agree and Disagree

That Bioplastics Do Much Less Harm to Both Environment and Humans Compare to

Synthetic Polymers.

23
 RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

56 56.82%

Yes, because of its biodegradable components

Yes, because no carbon footprints are present 8 12.3%

No, because it could harm food supplies 1 1.5%

No, because some bioplastics don't readily 0 0%

decompose

Total 65 100%

Mean 16.25

SD 21.70

The frequency and percentage distribution of respondents who agree and disagree

that bioplastics do much less harm to both environment and humans compare to synthetic

polymers are being presented in table 3. The aggregate responses gathered is 65, with

a mean of 16.25 and a standard deviation of 21.70.

Under the analyzed data, the response "yes, because of its biodegradable

components" received a frequency of 56 and a percentage score of 56.82 percent. While

24
in the other hand, the response “yes, because no carbon footprints are present” received

a frequency of 8 and a percentage score of 12.3 percent. In contrast to "no, because it

could harm food supplies" received a frequency of 1 with 1.5 percent of the responses.

The response “no, because some bioplastics don't readily decompose” did not

accumulate any frequency. There were 65 cumulative responses, with a mean of 16.25

and a standard deviation of 21.70.

It is presented in table 3 that 98.5 percent of the respondents agree that bioplastics

do much less harm to both environment and humans compare to synthetic polymers.

Perverse to the 1.5% of the respondents disagree that bioplastics do much less harm to

both environment and humans compare to synthetic polymers. These results of the

analysis claim that it is most likely that bioplastics do much less harm to both environment

and humans compare to synthetic polymers in view of the fact that bioplastics possess

biodegradable components and have no carbon footprints are present. Although, these

results may also claim that bioplastics less likely than bioplastics to do much less harm

to both environment and humans compare to synthetic polymers by affecting the food

supplies inimically.

25
 CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATON

In this chapter the conclusions derived from the findings of this study on capacity

of Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) as a cheaper biodegradable plastic. The conclusions

were based on the purpose, research questions and result of the study. The implications

of these findings and resultant recommendations will also be explained.

Summary of Findings

The primary objective of this research was to identify if the Cogon grass (Imperata

cylindrica) can help environmental problems. The guidelines, along with the details are

presented in chapter 1-3 of this study. It has come to the researchers understanding that

almost 95.4% of the participants who answered the questionnaire agreed that this

research could be potentially successful.

This chapter presents the summary and research work undertaken. Throughout

the research design, we used the descriptive design to get better understanding of the

responses through the survey give.

Conclusion

The study of the capacity of cogon grass extract as a cheaper biodegradable

plastic substitute and the production of the commodity, according to the researchers, was

satisfactory. The cogon grass extract is beneficial in assessing the biodegradable plastic's

physical properties. The production and utilization of a biodegradable plastic based on

26
cogon grass extract would address the aforementioned issues and conflicts associated

with synthetic polymers. Further to that, the manufacture and application of biodegradable

plastic centered on cogon grass extract will benefit the society, the environment, and the

market. As an outcome, biodegradable plastic constructed from cogon grass extract could

be a viable alternative to synthetic polymers.

Suggestions and Recommendations

To augment the purpose of the study, the researchers suggest and urges

prospective researchers to investigate other plants which have characteristics

comparable to or even different from cogon grass. Furthermore, such plants have been

documented for their properties as a synthetic polymer substitute, hence why the

researcher prescribes other plants. According to the researchers, certain plants may be

used to assist with environmental concerns. Organic solvents can be used by future

researchers to improve the efficiency. As an outcome, this may be a proposal and

recommendation to future researchers to increase the number of participants who partake

in the study in order to make the data more credible and conclusive.

Questionnaires:

Questions relevant to the study included in the survey are the following:

Question 1: Do you have plastics present in your environment?

Question 2: Which do you prefer?

Question 3: Please state your reason on No.2

Question 4: What do you use often?

Question 5: How often do you use it?

27
Question 6: In your opinion, what are the inimical effects of using plastic?

Question 7: Do you consider cogon grass extract as potential component of

biodegradable plastic?

Question 8: Do you think that bio plastics do much less harm to both environment and

humans compare to synthetic polymers?

REFERENCES

1) Parker, L. (2021, May 3). The world’s plastic pollution crisis

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